Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, has made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The team defeated Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat on November 7, securing Nigeria’s first title in the competition and marking a landmark achievement for African football, according to FIFA.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African nation to lift the U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy. The achievement marked a breakthrough for the continent, which had never previously won the competition, the Confederation of African Football said.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru found the net. Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the break, scoring in the 47th minute. Japan responded through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian side held on to secure the trophy.
The triumph was particularly remarkable given the team’s difficult start to the tournament. The Flamingos lost their opening match to Poland but recovered with a series of victories, including wins over defending champions North Korea and Brazil in the semi-finals.
Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals and finished third at the 2022 edition in India. The 2026 victory represents the team’s first-ever appearance in the final and its maiden world championship title.
The achievement also makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories. The country’s men’s team, the Golden Eaglets, has won the competition five times.
